Shania Twain to Honor Lionel Richie at Power of Love Gala
Broadway World | March 13, 2019
Global Superstar Shania Twain will present Lionel Richie with an honorable award at Keep Memory Alive's 23rd Annual Power of Love® Gala on Saturday, March 16, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The pair duetted on a re-recording of "Endless Love" in 2012, hitting the top of the Billboard U.S. Hot Singles Sales charts. Twain will present Richie with an award in honor of his impactful musical contributions to the world and his support of Keep Memory Alive and its mission to find a cure for memory disorders by raising necessary funds for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Other talent appearing to honor Richie include Snoop Dogg, NE-YO, Miguel, Anthony Anderson, Leona Lewis, Bernie Williams, Pedro Capo, and Greg Phillinganes. The evening will also honor Lonnie Ali, wife and caregiver of the late Muhammad Ali, with the Caregiver Hero Award and feature Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Humm's culinary talent.
The Power of Love Gala is a critical platform for fundraising and generates the majority of annual revenue needed to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against neurocognitive diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, multiple system atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and related disorders, multiple sclerosis and more.
MGM Grand Garden Arena, 6 p.m. March 16, tickets starting at $2,000 plus tax and fee.
For event updates, upcoming announcements or additional information visit keepmemoryalive.org.
Shania Twain to honor Lionel Richie at Power of Love gala
By John Katsilometes | Las Vegas Review-Journal | March 14, 2019
Shania Twain has turned up at various high-profile events over the past several days and is making a major appearance at Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Twain will present the night’s star honoree, Lionel Richie, as organizers describe as Richie’s “impactful musical contributions to the world and his support of Keep Memory Alive and its mission to find a cure for memory disorders by raising necessary funds for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.”
Richie turns 70 on June 20. He and Twain teamed on a re-recording of “Endless Love” in 2012. The song was a monster hit for Richie and Diana Ross in 1981.
Richie is also a judge on “American Idol,” joining Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest on ABC’s singing-competition series.
Twain, a headliner at the the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from 2012-14, was at Robbie Williams’ opening-night show at Encore Theater on March 6 and at Gwen Stefani’s “Just a Girl” production on Saturday. She has been the focus of speculation that she is working on a new Strip residency this year.
Elsewhere, those who are scheduled to appear to honor Richie at the Power of Love gala include Snoop Dogg, NE-YO, Miguel, Anthony Anderson, Leona Lewis, Bernie Williams, Pedro Capo and Greg Phillinganes. The event will pay tribute to Lonnie Ali, wife and caregiver of the late Muhammad Ali, with the Caregiver Hero Award and feature Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Humm’s culinary talent.
The Power of Love Gala is the Cleveland Clinic’s primary fund-raising vehicle and generates the majority of annual revenue needed to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against neurocognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple-system atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and related disorders, multiple sclerosis and more.
King-size bids
The Power of Love live and auction is always an exercise in decadence. Three of the highlighted lots up for bid in Saturday’s celebration:
• A seven-day, six-nights sailing vacation off the coast of Australia aboard the M.Y. Texas, a 150-foot super yacht. The craft sleeps up to 10 guests and features three large outdoor dining areas on each deck. A professional crew is part of the deal (value: $200,000).
• A dinner for four with Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton at Madeo Ristorante in Beverly Hills. A case of The Keaton Red and another of The Keaton White, from Keaton and her winemakers, are part of the lot (value: priceless).
• A seven-day vacation to Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s estate on Hawaii’s exclusive retreat Kauhale Pilialoha. As the auction book describes, “The nearly 21,000 square feet of stunning architecture seamlessly blends with the beautiful, natural environment of Hawaii.” Righteous. The mansion features 10 guest rooms with a master bedroom villa and three guest villas. Kauhale Pilialoha’s staff includes two housekeepers and a house manager, but as I understand it, no costumed aerialists (value: $90,000).
Shania says expect a new Las Vegas residency announcement in June!
Lionel Richie, Shania Twain explore future on Las Vegas Strip
By John Katsilometes | Las Vegas Review-Journal | March 16, 2019
Lionel Richie just offered up this information, without provocation, on Saturday night:
He’s addicted. To exhaustion.
“That’s my thing, I’m addicted to exhaustion,” Richie, the honoree at the 23rd annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena, said on the event’s “purple” carpet. “I love the idea of traveling around the world, and I’m going to do that again, and after that tour, I’m going to rest for a couple of months.”
Then, and only then, is he coming back for a residency on the Las Vegas Strip.
“We’re going to do it,’ he said before the event, which is the annual fundraiser for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. “I love it here. But I need to see Paris, London, Copenhagen, and then after that I’m coming back to Las Vegas.”
Richie turns 70 in June. He has described himself as “Papa Bear” on the “American Idol” judging panel. He is easily the senior member of that long-running competition show.
”At first, I kept thinking, ‘What is this going to be like? I’m the oldest person on whole staff!’ Hey, if there is a history of music, I am that. But then I saw what Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will say and do, and I can’t go down that road. I can’t follow them, so I am the Papa Bear.”
Richie is still a dynamic showman and unfailingly energetic in one-on-one conversation.
“I hang around young people,” Richie said when I asked the how-do-you-stay-so-young question. “I hang around young people. Life is going to go on, so I hang around people who are talking about things I don’t know anything about. They know the future because they are the future.”
Richie said he’s honored to be honored by his longtime friends at the Ruvo Center.
“I have this gift, and the question is, what do you do with it?” Richie said. “I’m going to celebrate with music for a worthy cause and do some good.”
Tease of Twain
On the topic of superstar residencies on the Strip, Shania Twain simply batted her eyes in a teasing sort of way when asked about her upcoming plans in Vegas.
“I will be singing somewhere,” she said, smiling. “I wonder where that will be?”
She said to expect an announcement in June. I asked about her visit to Gwen Stefani’s show at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood last Saturday.
“I was checking out that room,” Twain said. “I was checking out what Gwen was doing in there. I loved the indoor-amphitheater, party vibe. Gwen was just amazing. She inspired me.”
Twain introduced Richie, honoree of the night, by relating a story about when she lost her voice in 2011 and sought Richie for counsel. Richie offered her a chance to duet with him on any of his songs, and she chose to re-cut “Endless Love.”
“She walked into the room and said, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ ” Richie said from the stage. Richie remembered telling Twain, “We have something in common. We are both scared to death, because we have never done this before. Let’s just try it, and see how wrong we are about ourselves.”
Superstars Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg and More Appear at Keep Memory Alive's 23rd Annual Power of Love® Gala
Spectacular Night of Philanthropy Raised Funds for Cleveland Clinic Nevada
PRNewswire | Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health | March 17, 2019
LAS VEGAS --Keep Memory Alive's 23rd annual Power of Love® gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, March 16 brought top artists and cultural icons Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Anderson, NE-YO, Anthony Mackie, Miguel, Leona Lewis, Bernie Williams, John O'Hurley, Pedro Capó, Greg Phillinganes, Peta Murgatroyd, and more together to honor music legend Lionel Richie and raise crucial funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Nevada.
Also in attendance were Raiders owner and newly appointed Keep Memory Alive board member Mark Davis, former Oakland Raiders player and coach Fred Biletnikoff, "Bar Rescue" star Jon Taffer, British singer Matt Goss, jeweler Steven Lagos, singer-songwriter Clint Holmes, author Kimberly Friedmutter and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak
After a warm welcome from Keep Memory Alive co-founders Camille and Larry Ruvo, the evening began with Siegfried Fischbacher presenting Lonnie Ali, wife of late great Muhammad Ali, with the Keep Memory Alive Caregiver Hero award. This accolade is in honor of those who have gone above and beyond to care for those who are unable to care for themselves and Ali's grace and selflessness make her a true caregiving hero.
As she accepted, she noted that she was pleasantly surprised when she learned she was receiving this award because it was the first time she'd be honored not just as Muhammad Ali's wife, but as his care partner and caregiver.
Twain presented Richie with an award in honor of his impactful musical contributions to the world and his support of Keep Memory Alive.
Twain said, "He's my buddy, my pal, he's a lifesaver and a really wonderful friend. I'm happy to be here for him. I have a personal interest in the cause. My grandmother had Alzheimer's. It's a very devastating disease and we just need more awareness." Earlier in the night on the purple carpet, she hinted to her Las Vegas return, saying "I will be singing somewhere. I wonder where that is going to be," with a telling smile.
Addressing the crowd, Richie said, "What you all are doing tonight is helping mankind and actually making a difference in the world. I'm so proud to be here tonight to share this award."
Paying tribute to Richie's iconic music, Leona Lewis and Miguel performed together for the first time with a powerful rendition of "Endless Love," followed by rising Latin star Pedro Capó's sleek performance of "Running with the Night." Other memorable moments included Bernie Williams singing "Lady You Bring Me Up" before NE-YO joined him on stage for a duet of "Easy." NE-YO and Snoop Dogg then had the crowd on its feet during a rousing rendition of "Brick House."
Richie brought down the house with hits "Hello" and "Dancing on the Ceiling." Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, NE-YO, Bernie Williams, Pedro Capó, Leona Lewis, Miguel, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Anderson, Peta Murgatroyd and Jon Taffer joined him for the "All Night Long" finale before guests made their way to the after party.
Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Humm served Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab salad with Kaluga caviar, and red wine braised veal with paired wines from Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. The MGM Grand pastry team created an illuminated, revolving dessert showpiece to end the night on a sweet note.
Guests bid on exceptional experiences during the live auction, including private dinners with Diane Keaton, Bon Jovi or Sir Michael Caine in London, a week sailing the Mediterranean on a superyacht, a private tennis lesson with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, or a mini champagne vending machine.
The evening generated the majority of annual revenue for Cleveland Clinic Nevada to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against cognitive diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, multiple system atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and related disorders, multiple sclerosis and more.
"We are so grateful for all of these incredible artists and guests coming out tonight in support of Keep Memory Alive," said Camille Ruvo. "Without them, Cleveland Clinic Nevada would not be able to provide the world-class level of research, care and support that they do for patients and their families. The love and overwhelming generosity experienced tonight makes me feel confident we will fulfill our mission of finding a cure for brain disorders someday."
2019 Power of Love gala highlights featuring Lionel Richie
In a spectacular night of philanthropy, Keep Memory Alive's 23rd annual Power of Love® gala at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, March 16, 2019, brought top artists and cultural icons Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Anderson, NE-YO, Anthony Mackie, Miguel, Leona Lewis, Bernie Williams, John O'Hurley, Pedro Capó, Greg Phillinganes, Peta Murgatroyd, and more together to honor music legend Lionel Richie and raise crucial funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Nevada.